Angola have joined Ghana into the semi-finals of the African Under-20 Championship on a dramatic and tense day of action in Group B

In the two games played simultaneously on Sunday at two venues in Addis Ababa, Angola beat Nigeria 2-0 at the Abebe Bekela Stadium, while Ghana drew 1-1 with Mali in the main Addis Ababa Stadium.

Angola's qualification for the semi-finals came very late in the day, thanks to an 88th minute Ghanaian goal in the other game.

Mali opened the scoring very early through Mamadou Diallo.

As they maintained their lead into the dying minutes of the game it appeared that Angola's first win so far in the championship would be in vain.

Then Ishmael Addo equalised for Ghana from a free-kick with just two minutes remaining, after defender Sulley Muntari was fouled.

The Angolan bench erupted with joy, as mobile phones begun ringing all over the VIP stand announcing that Ghana's equaliser has given the Angolans the right to be one of the four nations that will represent Africa at the Fifa World Youth Championship in Argentina from 17 June to 7 July.

Mali's dignified exit

Mali are out but undefeated in the tournament, after drawing all their matches against Nigeria (0-0), Angola (2-2) and Ghana (1-1)

The result will be a disappointment for Mali, who won bronze as the best African Under-20 side at the last World Cup in Nigeria two years ago.

Angola took a 43rd minute lead against Nigeria from the penalty spot after midfielder, Viana Mendonca was fouled by Christian Obodo.

Angolan skipper, Gilberto Graca Amaral stepped up for the spot kick, scoring his second goal of the tournament from a similar situation.

Mantorras doubled the scores in the 63rd minute beating his marker to shoot from close range.

Ten-man Nigeria

Nigeria were reduced to 10 men with five minutes still to play, after substitute Mohamed Lawal was sent-off for a second bookable offence.

In the first-half, Nigeria came close twice with a header inches over the bar by Endurance Elaboru.

Chijioke Ejiogu had only the keeper to beat but Joao Mamona - nicknamed Lama - pushed the ball to safety and denied the Flying Eagles an equaliser.

However, Bartholomew Ogbeche was able to beat Mamona in the second-half with a close range header, but his effort was ruled offside.

Nigeria - one of the highly-rated teams in the championship - are packing their bags home after a disastrous showing in which they conceded the highest number of goals including a 4-1 defeat at the hands of traditional West African arch-rivals, Ghana.